Friday, February 4, 2011

Carl Bloch Art Exhibit

Quilters are artists.We appreciate creative works that show sensitivity and imagination.When presented with the opportunity to view great Masters of Art, we are often moved to tears.Such was the case, when we were invited by the Sears family to attend theCarl Bloch Art Exhibit currently being shown at Brigham Young University's Museum of Art in Provo, Utah.Carl Bloch was a 19th Century Danish artist who's works included religious alterpieces commissioned by various congregations in Denmark and Sweden.BYU has worked tirelessly to bring this 40 piece exhibit, including 5 altarpieces to the United States, and we will probably never see the likes of it again.These original paintings have been removed for the first time since they were installed in the late 1800's.(photo's by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)

The exhibit runs through May 7th.

If you live in Utah, or will be visiting in the next few months, I highly recommend viewing "Carl Bloch: The Master's Hand".

For $3 we rented the I-Pad tour, which brought the paintings to life, including expert commentaries, music, and panoramic views of the original churches.

Even though we were immersed in a crowd, the I-Pad tour made me feel like I was in my own little world, experiencing these great paintings one on one.

"Christ in Gethsemane 1879Bloch interprets the scriptural text with great sensitivity; the angel tenderly and compassionately embraces the Savior as He takes upon Himself the sins and infirmities of all mankind. "

The altarpiece's are quite large because they were the centerpiece of the church, placed above the alter where congregants would take communion.

A focal point to ponder our relationship with Jesus Christ.

In discussing his inspiration Bloch said "God helps me, that's what I think, and then I am calm."

My favorite: Christ In Gethsemane, where Bloch's imagery comforted me and moved me to tears.

I have always had a very difficult time reading or listening to the stories of Christ's suffering.

Visualizing His sacrifice has been too painful.

I have been honored with the privilege of visiting the Garden of Gethsemane at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.

Even then, I could not stay long.

But now, after viewing Christ In Gethsemane, and seeing the tender embrace of the angel, my mind can rest, and ponder the greatest moment.

My husband and I went a few weeks ago. It really stirred up some strong emotions within me. The paintings were so lifelike, but the one that made my heart ache was the one where they had taken Christ down from the cross and under the light of a small lantern they had removed Him from the cross and were preparing to take Him to his burial site. Amazing work by a man who really understood the Savior.